New Delhi (Agency): The recent lift malfunctions in high-rise societies have brought sheer panic to the residents of Noida. It’s not just about the inconvenience of an elevator not working; lives are at risk. The tragic accident that took the life of a 72-year-old woman in Paras Tierea society on August 3 has prompted an intensified call for the ‘Lift Act’, a law ensuring elevator safety.
“Is our dream home really safe?” This question lingers in the minds of many, especially when they hear of such heartbreaking incidents happening in their own neighborhood. The Lift Act has been discussed time and again in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Following the recent incidents, the state’s Energy Minister, AK Sharma, promised that the law would be in place soon. He emphasized strict actions against those found guilty in such mishaps.
Many people remember the fear they felt upon hearing about the man named Ramkishan, a 29-year-old from Sector 63, who lost his life after the elevator in his company building plummeted to the ground. Similarly, Sushila Devi, a 70-year-old resident of Paras Tierea society, faced a terrifying free fall, trapped in an elevator for almost 45 minutes before losing her life. The thought of such horrific incidents has left residents scared to even use their building elevators.
These aren’t isolated cases. Residents from Greater Noida West to Ghaziabad have been reporting cases of people getting stuck in lifts due to sudden malfunctions. The situation became so alarming that on August 11, residents had to resort to breaking a lift door with a wooden ladder to rescue two children and two seniors.
Local representatives, including Noida MLA Pankaj Singh and Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh, have been pushing hard for the implementation of the Lift Act. Singh had even raised this issue with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the start of this year, emphasizing the urgency to act on this grave matter.
As per the Energy Minister’s remarks, investigations regarding lift accidents are conducted periodically by the Electricity Department. Most of the new buildings are equipped with elevators, making it even more crucial to ensure their safety. The minister also reiterated that swift measures would be taken regarding the Lift Act.
Yet, the residents can’t help but ask: “Why, after paying such high maintenance fees, are we still not safe in our own homes?” They demand answers and accountability. Elevator accidents raise concerns not only about physical safety but also about the quality of services residents receive after investing so much.
Abhinav Singh Chauhan, an expert in town planning, highlighted that elevator accidents often occur due to neglect in maintenance and the use of sub-par materials. The hope is that with the Lift Act, proper regulations and standards will be set, making every elevator trip safe for all residents. The message is clear – safety can’t wait.
________
